Importing pachinkos from japan

[SLOT-PACHINKO]

We have been unable to import Pachinko machine from Japan since May 2009. We had a strong feeling that this was going to happen.
We stockpiled machines prior to that date and we just unloaded our last 2 containers October 2, 2009.
We are doing everything we can to get Pachinko machines exempt from the new USDA regulations implemented in 2009.
Perhaps stage IV will exclude Pachinko frames and machines can once again be imported.
If there is anyone out there that knows any way around the USDA regulations we would appreciate knowing about it.
You can read the regulations as they stand now by going to:

hktdc.com - USDA Revises Import Declaration Enforcement Schedule for Plant Products

Any help will be appreciated. Robert slot-pachinko.com

[drcrippen324]

if it helps it says you can file a blanket declaration
The coalition stated that qualified importers who regularly import the same plant product from the same sources should be able to file a blanket Lacey Act import declaration for each such product. Earlier this year, the USDA began a pilot programme that is testing the feasibility using a periodic blanket declaration with subsequent reconciliation reports. Enrolment is limited initially to entities currently participating in one of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s expedited border release programmes.
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or would it be worth while have them deframed and shipped with just the hinges then find a nice little polish carpenter to knock up some frames in the corner of your warehouse


hey LD im angling you a nice littke earner here

[portercbl]

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or would it be worth while have them deframed and shipped with just the hinges then find a nice little polish carpenter to knock up some frames in the corner of your warehouse


hey LD im angling you a nice littke earner here

But the cell is made of a wood product also!

Jerry

[drcrippen324]

Doh it was a good idea at a time

my bad

[mudfud]

have other importers, like blue hotaru, gaku, stop express had this same experience?

what is the intent of this rule anyway? avoiding deforestation of other countries? or, avoiding bringing in plant germs? I read the link above, and it doesn't say why?

[rubberratt]

I wonder if Kiai will still ship then over ?

[compirate]

I would think the type/s of wood used in the frames and cells is going to be pretty much the same for most all pachinko manufacturers. Take one game and check exactly what it has, then come up with a blanket thing to cover them all. A little tougher with the pachislo, since it's a particle wood for the cabinet, but find out what woods are generally found in them and then come up with a blanket paper that covers all. Sounds like the only solution other than trying to get the law changed. I'm sure customs inspectors all do things differently (one might pass something that another will flag), so as thick a blanket as you can give them is best (list all woods that could be in the product).

Just read this part:

The USDA has therefore decided to further delay enforcement of the import declaration requirement for composite and recycled or reused materials so that it would begin no earlier than 1 September 2010

So Pachislo shouldn't be a problem till then.

[compirate]

I wonder if Kiai will still ship then over ?

I'm not sure that covers 'one time gifts' as his kind of thing can be thought as.

He's not necessarily an 'exporter' and we're not 'importers', unless we deal in larger quantities than 1.

[rubberratt]

I'm not sure that covers 'one time gifts' as his kind of thing can be thought as.

He's not necessarily an 'exporter' and we're not 'importers', unless we deal in larger quantities than 1.

Just what I was thinking I still need a couple like...

009-1
Avant Garde
(others)

[compirate]

Just what I was thinking I still need a couple like...

009-1
Avant Garde
(others)

I'm sure that 'others' list is a lot longer than we know

[rubberratt]

I'm sure that 'others' list is a lot longer than we know

LOL you got me

others= >2 but <100

[compirate]

less than 100, yeah right

[hanabi]

I have noticed that there is a Japan based seller currently on eBay, that will ship internationally (including USA), they are running it as a business on ebay and have more than one of some Pachis...

So they must have found a way to comply with or get around the regulations, or are they using the 'gift' or personal import route??

[Kujibiki]

I think they sell them as gifts because it enters the states one at a time?

[gaku]

I just wonder if there is a loophole or some easy way to get through it; otherwise, all the furniture stores/importers are going out of business -- consider Ikea for example...

[mudfud]

gaku -

have you also had problems with importing pachinkos?

I'm not much of a modern collector yet, but it seems a shame that japan would not have the US to export some of their machines to. afterall, they otherwise end up in some land fill in china, after they get stripped of any useable parts

[gaku]

I no longer import pachinko...

[Eddie]

This is terrible news! Gaku will you possible import in the future?

[dishpan]

It's too bad that Heiwa stopped making those nice aluminum frames.

If they were to combine that with the huge LCD screens from the SS series of games, each machine wouldn't have any wood.

[drwho]

As I read it, it doesn't seem like there should be anything preventing you from importing games at least until late 2010:

FR Doc E9-21216
-----------------------------------------------
There will be no further additions to phases III or IV. We intend
to provide at least 6 months' notice to persons and industries affected
by changes to the phase-in schedule to facilitate compliance with the
new requirements. Changes will be announced in the Federal Register. We
invite public comment on the revised schedule for enforcement of the
declaration.
We also seek comment on the following HTS chapters/subchapters
currently under consideration for subsequent phases that would be
scheduled to begin on or after September 1, 2010:

...

Ch. 95 Headings (toys, games & sporting equipment)
[cir] 9504--Articles for arcade, table, or parlor games


TIA | Home
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APHIS Publishes Revised Lacey Act Declaration Phase-in Schedule; Most Chapter 95 Products to be Considered at a Later Date

...

At this time, most toys, games, and sporting equipment classifiable in Chapter 95 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), will not be subject to the Lacey Act declaration requirements at least until October 1, 2010.